THE Home Office’s response to growing numbers of migrant crossings in the Channel was described by a watchdog as “poor”  today with a report warning the “system is overwhelmed.”

Chief inspector of borders and immigration David Neal said the criticisms follow mainly from a refusal by the Home Office to move from an emergency response to what has become a “business-as-usual” situation.

“The Home Office’s performance in delivering an effective and efficient response to the challenge posed by the increasing volume of migrant arrivals via small boats is poor,” Mr Neal said.